Tuesday, December 26, 2017

September 06 - We drove up to Carlsbad

We decided to take a day trip up the coast to the town of Carlsbad.  Nestled between Oceanside on the north, and Encinitas and Leucadia on the south.  Our first stop in town was to visit the visitor's center at the train depot.  Once this historic depot served the town with the Santa Fe.  Now it hosts the "Coaster", a part of the San Diego mass transit system., A typical visitor's center with nice older ladies well versed in the attractions and lore of the town. 

From there we went to the downtown area nearby.  The streets are nice and very welcoming.  Many of the local eateries have outdoor patios in front that actually extend into the street. It was very nice.

While we were there, we visited Barrel Republic.  This is a tavern which resembles a cafeteria more than anything else.  You log your credit or debit card at the front desk, and they give you an electronic band.  There are no bartenders, just self-serve taps that show descriptions of each offering.  You take a glass from the rack there, and wave your band at the tap you want.  It logs how many ounces you pour and bills it to the account they have opened for your visit.  When you are all ready to leave, the cashier settles it all up. 

When we left there we walked a few blocks to see what there was around.  We found a nice little olive oil and balsamic vinegar shop that she always likes to shop in.

We drove down to the beach and found a place to park.  You try finding a parking spot near the beach on a warm early fall day.  Then the space has to be big enough for a truck the size of our Ford F-250.  The beach access was always between close standing buildings, and we walked down a flight of stairs to the beach itself.

Carlsbad beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the county.  We spent a long time walking in the sand, playing in the water, and just enjoying our quiet day. 

When it was time, we sadly got ito our truck and headed home.  We thought it might be a good idea next time to take the trolley downtown and catch the Coaster up there.

 The tracks behind the old Santa Fe and now Coaster terminal and visitor's center.






Barrel Republic - Carlsbad, CA



Fountain at the town center park


At the olive oil and balsamic shoppe

Steps leading down to the beach
 


Travelers

This is an amazingly pretty beach

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